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Two Indonesian films, Surau dan Silek (Surau and Silek) and MARS – Mimpi Ananda Raih Semesta (Ananda’s Dream Achieved the Universe), have both received an award at the BISA Hong Kong Film Awards 2017.

The directors, Arief Malinmundo and Sahrul Gibran, respectively, accepted the awards given by the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Hong Kong at the same day of the films' screening on Sunday.

The event was initiated by the Education and Culture Ministry's Film Development Center (Pusbangfilm), Be Indonesian Smart n Active (BISA) Care and the Indonesian Migrant Workers (BMI) union in Hong Kong and Macau.

“Surau dan Silek does not only have excellent cinematography, but also [promote] local wisdom by using Minang language in almost 90 percent [of the film],” Arul Muchsen from BISA Care told Antara news agency.“Arief Malinmundo has succeeded in highlighting the local children by featuring them on the film.”

Meanwhile, MARS – Mimpi Ananda Raih Semesta that was filmed in London's University of Oxford is said to have made the national education proud since it highlights the accomplishment of an Indonesian student who hailed from Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta. “This film inspires the locals who live in rural areas to go to school and pursue bachelor degree,” said Arul.

Around 100 people from BMI as well as KJRI Hong Kong's young counselor Dita reportedly attended the screening.

Next year, BISA Hong Kong Film Award is slated to be held around the same time with HKFilmart and HK Film Festival 2018 to further promote Indonesian films in the global scene. (wir/kes)